The Massachusetts Appeals Court today reversed a Springfield District Court judge's ruling that the police acted unlawfully in searching a backpack found in the trunk of a car in which the defendant was riding.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Crowley-Chester.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court today reversed a juvenile's conviction for indecently assaulting a female acquaintance, ruling that the trial judge committed error by introducing a transcript of the alleged victim's interview with law enforcement.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Foster F. (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled today that after Boston police officers arrested the defendant on the mistaken belief that he was the subject of an arrest warrant, the Commonwealth could not use any of the contraband found in his car, including a gun, against him at trial.  The case is Commonwealth v. Maingrette. (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled today that a defendant who was accused of dealing drugs within 100 feet of a private playground did not qualify for prosecution under the school/park zone law that adds an additional two-year jail term onto drug dealers' sentences.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Gopaul. (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court today reversed the finding of a Worcester County Superior Court judge that an intellectually-disabled defendant had knowingly and voluntarily admitted to violating his probation, and overturned the 5-to-8 year prison sentence awarded against him.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Abdullah Muhammad Sayyid.  (more…)